Front Porch Fredericksburg February 2024 by Virginia Grogan

YEAR 27

ISSUE 319

FEBRUARY 2024

contents

closeups 5

veronica gutierrez catalyst for change

mary katherine greenlaw Ubiquitous mayor

melissa wells outstanding faculty award

Porch talk

history’s stories: colonial beach eastlake murder

our heritage: marker commemorates art+history

mental health: high functioning depression

Emancipated patients: pmad

community conversations: germanna speaker series

art in the ’burg ...galleries in February

great lives series continues

auto known better: all for a loaf of bread

around town: huntley

black dog syndrome

astrology & you poetryman: freedom

fredericksburg sketches hike with rescue dogs

love should never hurt teen dating violence

on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages

changing the landscape: wayside panels

everything green: growing from seeds

In the Garden: winter greenery

growing & crawling: slimy little weirdo

everyday things: it’s about time

tidbits...small bites of local news

season’s bounty: f-f-february

3 black history month celebrating resilience

vino: not your typical wine pairing

14 dan & natalie ealy....special valentine couple

16-17

Calendar of Events

...And More! 14

22 taylor anton white: origins series exhibit

Cover:”Neptune”s Daughter” by David C. Kennedy

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

Black History Month Celebrating Resilience and Self-Determination By collette caprara

Throughout its history, the Black community in America has been confronted with a litany of injustices and daunting odds, from slavery to legalized discrimination and segregation. Yet it has never been defined the adversity it faced but rather by its response to those circumstances, with inspiring resilience, innovation, determination and enterprise. In fact, a surprising number of men and women who were once enslaved rose to become millionaires and made important contributions society. Among these inspiring models of achievement against the odds was Bridget "Biddy" Mason, whose life exemplified forbearance and endurance, genius, generosity, compassion, and a refusal to give into bitterness or resentment. Biddy was born into slavery in 1818. She was separated from her parents and was sold several times, moving from state to state. Although she was forbidden to learn to read and write, she honed her midwifery skills and learned the use of medicinal herbs. When she was 18, Biddy was given as a wedding gift to her "owner's" cousin and, within 10 years, she gave birth to three daughters. The decision was made for the family to move West with a caravan of 300 wagons. Throughout the entire seven-month, 2,000-mile trek, Biddy walked behind the wagon with her two older daughters, carrying her infant on her back. Her duties included cooking the meals, setting up camp, and tending to the cattle. The journey eventually ended in California, which the leaders did not realize had been designated as a "free state." In 1856, Biddy and her three daughters were legally declared "forever free."

Biddy was well regarded for her skills as a midwife and nurse and she assisted in hundreds of births to families of all races and social classes. Though she earned only $2.50 a day, she was frugal and saved what she could. In the course of ten years, she saved $250, which she used to purchase two plots of land, becoming one of first African American women to buy property in America. She earned money from gardening and from the rental of small wooden houses that were built on one of the tracts. After nearly 20 years, she sold one parcel for $1,500 and built a commercial building on the other that she rented out, as she and her family lived on the second floor. The neighborhood around Biddy's property developed rapidly, and by the late 1800's she became the wealthiest African American woman in Los Angeles. Biddy remained caring and generous with her wealth. She visited prisons with gifts and aid, provided food and shelter to the poor, gave to both black and white churches, and founded an elementary school for black children. In 1872, she and her son-in-law founded and financed the Los Angeles branch of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. At the time of her death that year, Biddy's wealth had grown to $300,000-the equivalent today of $6 million. A n o t h e r trailblazer who was undeterred by the obstacles that confronted him was Elijah McCoy who found opportunity through the racial bias he faced in the employment arena. Elijah was born in 1844 in Canada to parents who had fled slavery and, recognizing his fascination with the miracles of mechanics, sent him to Scotland to receive training as an engineer. When he returned to join his family who had moved to Michigan, he was a certified mechanical engineer, but racial barriers prevented him from securing employment in his skill

and he accepted a position as a fireman/oilman for the Michigan Central Railroad. This was a demeaning and dangerous job that entailed periodically de-training to lubricate the moving parts of the steam engine. With this first-hand experience, Elijah studied the inefficiencies of the accepted system of lubrication and used his expertise and knowledge to design a lubricating cup that would automatically and evenly distribute oil when the locomotive was in motion. This was the first of an impressive series of inventions that McCoy would produce. He eventually held more than 50 patents, including a moveable ironing board and a lawn sprinkler-a record number that was recognized in Booker T. Washington's "Story of the Negro." In 1920, he sold the rights to some of his patents to raise money to open the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company. The legacy of enterprise and entrepreneurial ventures throughout the history of the black community is evident in Fredericksburg and is highlighted in a walking tour developed by Gaia Sims of the Fredericksburg Area Museum, which features sites from 1787 through current times. "The fact that this tour encompasses 235 years of history is astounding and speaks to the incredible creativity, tenacity, and ingenuity of the African American members of the Fredericksburg community," said Sims. Featured sites include "French John's Wharf," from which John de Baptiste began operating the Falmouth Ferry in

Rappahannock Hotel 1792. His entrepreneurial instincts and spirit were also reflected in the enterprises of his sons who sold groceries and fish, owned carriages for hire and a brick kiln and invested in real estate and shipping

with two schooners that they purchased. Tour highlights also include the Buckner's Seafood Lunch Restaurant that opened in 1922, a memorial to Lewis Randolf Ball, which reflects the long history of black

Matthew Buckner shucking an oyster in his restaurant, Buckner’s Seafood Lunch” barbers in the area since the mid-1800s, including the Friendly Inn, which was in Mayfield and the Farmers Hotel that was located on Caroline Street. Enterprises of Black women included services such as domestic labor, food preparation and caring for and teaching children as well as Emma Carter's Boarding House on Princess Anne Street. A thriving center of the Black community in the mid-twentieth century on Princess Anne Street was also the site of the Rappahannock Hotel, the Hotel McGuire, Brown's Funeral Home, Sonny Dyson's Soda Shop and Record Store, the Paris Inn Beer Garden, and the dentistry office of Dr. Philip Wyatt. In the late 1800s real estate investments of a former slave Henry Deane gave rise to a thriving interracial community dubbed Liberty Town. The rich history of Black enterprise has brought benefits to the Commonwealth and city that ripple through our lives today. For more details and additional examples of the history of resilience and enterprise in the black community, see the Black History and Character Curriculum of Woodson Center. the (WoodsonCenter.org). Collette Caprara love of life is evident in her writings & paintings photos courtesy of FAM

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

ON THE PORCH Collette Caprara

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists

february, rises to the occasion

Rita Allan Sally Cooney Anderson Dianne Bachman Sonja Cantu Collette Caprara Gary Close Beth Daly Archer Di Peppe Janet Douberly Jeannie Ellis Frank Fratoe Caroline Ford Bill Freehling Kathleen Harrington Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Christie Hoerneman Amy Jesse Dayton Keffer Nancy Kelly David C. Kennedy Ray Mikula Lisa Chinn Marvashti Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy Vanessa Moncure Danae Peckler Shannon Petska Pete Morelewicz Patrick Neustatter M.L. Powers Paula Raudenbush Rob Rudick AnnaMarie Sanchez Mandy Smith Rim Vining Tina Will Norma Woodward

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All article submissions must be received by e-mail by the 16th & calendar items the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine

By collette caprara February is a month that faces many challenges and would seem unlikely to be on folks' "favorites" list. The skies are still tinted with winter greys and, with the holidays behind us, this has been described as a doldrum period. Yet, seemingly against the odds, February rises to the occasion and highlights two themes that outshine the shadows and reveal the joy that continues in our lives. As Black History Month, February presents many opportunities to celebrate resilience, self-determination, and achievement against the odds. Throughout its history, the black community is replete with the stories of men and women who, even when faced with daunting challenges, "kept their eyes on the prize." Not only did they rise above the obstacles that confronted them but they also uplifted others who found hope and encouragement to do the same through their example. In fact, as a featured article in this issue relates, at times, these trailblazers used the very injustices and obstacles that might have blocked their paths as stepping stones to achievement and success. Their example underscores the credence of Rev. Charles Swindoll's declaration: "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." In addition, February is the month of Valentines Day-a celebration of love and the enduring impact of the strength, hope, and happiness that it sparks in individuals throughout society and the world. As one article on a special Valentine couple reveals, throughout their marriage of 22 years, the experience of separation and difficult challenges do not dim the bond of love, but actually enhances the qualities and depth of a loving relationship and augment the joy and beauty that it brings to their lives and the lives of all they reach.

messages Virginia

The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers.

Thank you so much for including my artwork and the article on me & my work. To say I am honored, would be an understatement. (September 2023 cover: Perfect Strangers” ) Warmest, Ariel Freeman

We enjoy picking up the publication each month. Claire Curcio

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

February is a time when the exterior "packaging" might belie the glow and lasting value of the precious gifts contained within, which is a reminder to all of us not to take things at face value. In fact, since it's launch by Rob Grogan nearly 30 years ago, this has always been the hallmark of the Front Porchgoing beyond the bad news about our world that is the focus of conventional media outlets that follow the mantra "If it bleeds, it leads." Instead, Rob and his wife, Virginia, the publisher of the publication, have sought to highlight the beauty in the hearts of the people that surround us. The popularity of the Front Porch and the special place that the publication has in the hearts of its readers is a testament of the thirst that the public has for uplifting and empowering news coverage. Anecdotes underscore this reality. The homebound mother of one close friend refused to allow any newspapers or magazines in her house, with the exception of the Front Porch, which she eagerly awaited each month, proclaiming that it, alone, offered good news. From time to time, I clip and mail Front Porch articles to friends and family throughout the country. In response to one clipping, my sister-in-law in Georgia wrote: "I really, really loved the article you sent. The news is always filled with death and destruction. This journalism is a breath of fresh air!" Following Rob's passing after a courageous bout with cancer ten years ago this month, his family stepped up to ensure that his vision of presenting "the local good news" would continue on. This

commitment resulted in the seamless continuation of monthly issues of this free publication, led by the small but powerful corps of his surviving family members: wife, editor Virginia, daughter Alexis "Lexi," and (eventually) her daughter Little Virginia, who coordinated distribution with the assistance of a crew of local volunteers. The teeming crowd of local residents who attended the memorial for Rob and the sentiments they expressed were evidence of the depth of the impact his efforts and his belief that goodness will ultimately prevail had in the lives of all he touched, which continues to ripple through our community today. It is a pleasure to invite one and all to share the experience of reading this issue “cover-to-cover!” Collette Caprara is a local writer, artist and believer in all of life's blessings

Virginia, I love what you always do to help promote the artists! thank you for all that you do to promote our community! I appreciate you immensely! Thank you!! Jeannie Ellis

Dear Virginia Many thanks to you, Virginia for your vision, energy, devotion to the arts and Fredericksburg itself. Mayo Carter

Hi Virginia. What a lovely September issue, cover to cover. From Ariel Freeman's eyecatching front-page watercolor, to the soulful insights of Sue Henderson, all of the educational gardening information, the quick histories of bicycles and spare tires, and the preview of Art Attack -- all of it showcase the breadth and talents of Fredericksburg's residents. Thanks for bringing these stories to our front porch every month! Pete Morelewicz

Veronica Gutierrez Catalyst for Positive Change By Dayton Keffer Meet Veronica Gutierrez, the Director of Operations and Community Gwyneth's Gift Engagement for Foundation. From her early days as a firstgeneration college student to the strategic initiatives she leads today, Veronica has devoted her career to creating positive change in the diverse communities she holds dear. Her personal experiences have become a testament to her dedication to support diverse communities. With a deep understanding of Gwyneth's Gift's mission, her involvement has driven the organization to new heights. Veronica's professional journey has been deeply rooted in her passion for community service. A first-generation college student, she earned a major in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law from Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles, followed by obtaining her MBA from Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. Veronica intentionally chose Loyola Marymount, a Jesuit University, reflecting her commitment to giving back. Reflecting

on her education, she states, "I gained valuable experiences that [has] fueled my determination to contribute positively to diverse communities."

become involved with underserved bilingual communities in Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas.

As a military spouse, Veronica has moved across the country to support her family. Wherever she goes, her passion for working with a diverse range of people remains unwavering. This passion has led her to take on pivotal roles of service in the communities she becomes a part of.

"Being a fluent Spanish speaker, I see this as a valuable resource to support communities that may lack resources," Veronica said. "I am also looking forward to my continued growth with Gwyneth's Gift and expanding our services to areas we have yet to reach, to include these underserved communities."

Veronica is a dedicated member of the Fredericksburg Rotary Club, FXBG Leadership, Chamber of and the Empowered Women (CNEW). She enjoys being a part of these organizations as they allow her to connect with like-minded individuals whose goals align with her own. Veronica's desire to contribute meaningfully to the communities she calls home has been a constant in her life. This year, she has a personal and professional goal of exploring more opportunities to

At Gwyneth's Gift, Veronica believes she is finally doing what she has always meant to do in life. "At Gwyneth's Gift, we are making an impact in our communities," she said. "We train people to save lives. I've always wanted to be a transformational leader, and this role has provided me with that platform in my day to day." Since joining Gwyneth's Gift Foundation, Veronica's involvement has indeed proven transformative for the nonprofit. She has actively immersed Gwyneth's Gift in the local community, cultivating relationships with residents, businesses, and other organizations. Her engagement strategies have resulted in a notable surge of volunteer and donor support and heightened visibility for Gwyneth's Gift and their mission. Veronica has been intentional about establishing strategic collaborations with neighboring nonprofits and businesses. She collaborated with the LOK Fashion Institute of Stafford to create a fashion show aligned with the theme of The Foundation's annual Mom Prom event. This partnership allowed both organizations to highlight their mission statements and underscore the significance of the impactful work carried out by their respective non-profits. Other notable partnerships that Veronica has nurtured include numerous EMS groups, volunteer fire departments, and organizations like Project Adam. Veronica also worked to incorporate bilingual training as a part of Gwyneth's Gift's mission.

"Thanks to my language skills," Veronica said. "This initiative allows us to provide training in Spanish, ensuring accessibility to a broader audience." As a commitment to appreciating the importance of donors and volunteers, Veronica has expanded Gwyneth's Gift's year-end appreciation event. It has led to a heightened sense of community and loyalty, increased donor support, repeat contributions, and enhanced commitment from dedicated volunteers. As Veronica pursues her efforts with Gwyneth's Gift, she aspires to continue advancing the vision of creating a Culture of Action where people are empowered to save lives. "Working at Gwyneth's Gift has been profoundly rewarding and it brings me immense fulfillment," said Veronica. "Throughout my life, I've cherished every endeavor, but this role holds a unique significance." For more information about Gwyneth's Gift Foundation and their services, please visit their website at gwynethsgift.org. Dayton Keffer is the Communications Intern for Gwyneth's Gift Foundation

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

Changing the Landscape New Wayside Panels in the City of Fredericksburg by Caroline Ford School on Gunnery Road, one on Decoration Day, the precursor to modern Memorial Day celebrations, and finally, the first wayside panel in Mayfield, devoted to Dr. W.L. Harris.

New Wayside Panel at corner of William & Sophia Streets dedicated to Johnny Johnson, Iconic Fredericksburg Artist As part of larger citywide efforts to tell a more complete story of our community, the FAM has partnered with the City of Fredericksburg to develop new wayside panels showcasing diverse histories. On February 3rd at 1:30 p.m., the museum will host a reception

February 2024

celebrating the installation of five new panels scattered throughout the city. These will include a panel dedicated to Mr. Johnny P. Johnson at the corner of William and Sophia Streets, one on the Manahoac Indigenous Tribe near Fall Hill, one Grant honoring the Original Walker-G

Front porch fredericksburg

Following the reception, Dr. Gaila Sims, Curator of African American History and Special Projects, will lead a trolley tour at 2:30 p.m. to view the new panels. Community members will introduce participants to each new panel: Ms. Gaye Adegbalola on Mr. Johnny P. Johnson and the Walker-Grant School, Dr. Brad Hatch on the Mannahoac, Reverend Hashmel Turner on Decoration Day, and Ms. Alexa McNeil on Dr. W.L. Harris. While the opening reception at the FAM is free and open to the public, participants on the trolley tour will need to reserve seats. Tickets are free but there is limited availability.

Additional trolley tours are scheduled for Saturday, February 10th and Saturday, February 17th at 1:30 p.m. To reserve a seat, visit Eventbrite.

Caroline Ford is the Director of Operations and Annual Giving for FAM

Changing the Landscape New Wayside Panels in the City of Fredericksburg Opening Reception & Guided Trolley Tour February 3, 1:30 p.m. Fredericksburg Area Museum Free and open to the public, tickets on Eventbrite, light refreshments

Everything Greens growing from seeds By christie hoerneman Flower and vegetable gardening are great hobbies. Not only do they provide you with beauty and fresh food, but it's a great way to get outdoors and connect with nature. However, as any gardener can attest to, it can become an expensive hobby. One way to mitigate costs is to start flower and vegetable plants from seeds. Seed starting might sound intimidating, but with a few materials or sometimes just seeds, you can start saving money and starting growing your own plants! There are several ways to start seeds. The easiest way for a beginner is to choose seeds that can be direct sown. Direct sowing seeds means simply placing the seeds in the ground once the chance of a hard frost has passed. To ensure that a plant or multiple plants come up, it's best to place two to three times the number of seeds for each desired plant. For example, if you want two zucchini plants, place 2-3 seeds per plant location. Then once the

seed germinate and become seedlings, you can choose the most robust looking seedling and remove the others. Some popular vegetables that can be direct sown are: zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, beets, and many herbs. Zinnias, wild bergamot, mountain mint are examples of flowers that can be direct sown. Another easy way to start seeds are native flower seeds that need cold stratification. Cold stratification means that the seeds need cold and moist in order to germinate. This can be accomplished in a couple of ways. One is to plant the seeds in the fall and hope for a cold and wet winter (some native plants, such as Jack in the Pulpit, require two cold and wet seasons). If you waited too long, you can also create the cold stratification conditions by using a medium, such as damp peat moss, and place the seeds in the refrigerator for the recommended time, usually 30-60 days, followed by sowing the seeds outdoors. A third common way to germinate seeds is by starting them indoors with enough lead time to allow the plants to germinate, grow, and then harden off, which means to allow the young plants time to get acclimatized to being outdoors. The items you will need are: seeds, seed starting soil, a container with a plastic dome and drainage hole, this does not need to be a special seed starting container, food clamshells work great, a light source, either a full spectrum fluorescent lights or a very sunny windowsill, and potting soil and containers

to transplant seedlings. By reading the back of the seed packet for the desired plant, it will tell you how long it will take to start seeds indoors. For the Fredericksburg area, the last frost usually occurs around the middle of April. The key with growing seeds indoors is to monitor them daily to ensure that they are getting the correct amount of water, and to watch their growth. Starting seeds is a rewarding and economical way to add plants to your flower or vegetable garden. Also, if you end up not liking a particular flower or vegetable, then you haven't invested a lot of money in it and can try something else the following year.

Christie Hoerneman is President of the Board of Directors at Downtown Greens.

Downtown Greens, a nonprofit, mission is to enhance the well-b being of our community by connecting people with nature through education and the preservation of greenspaces. Office , Lower & Upper Gardens are located at Downtown Campus 206 Charles Street. Belman Rd Campus , 56 acre property is 1360 Belman Road in FXBG Industrial Park

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

In the Garden winter’s greenery By tina will Evergreens. What would we do without them! Janet Douberly mentioned a few in her article last month. They are the lovely evidence of life through cold winters, and colorful 'bones' of the landscape. They also provide windbreaks for our homes (on the North/NorthWest side), and cover and protection for wildlife. Birds are an essential part of our ecosystem, so having evergreens near or on your property will encourage them to live nearby and help keep insect populations in check when warmer weather returns. Walking the Ni River Trail recently, my husband and I enjoyed the evergreens even though the grays and browns of deciduous trees dominate the scenery. Lower plants also punctuated the forest floor; we highly recommend Christmas Fern, Wood Fern, Partridge Berry, and Wintergreen. I always hope for at least a little snow because it is so beautiful on all plants, and can bring an immediate lift and smile to my heart. Robert Frost's poem "Dust of Snow" offers proof of that point! American Holly and the deciduous shrub, Winterberry have great berries for birds and wildlife. Kenmore House has an abundant border of several native evergreens including Yaupon Holly, Virginia Cedar, and American holly. Some less well known evergreen native shrub and tree choices are Red Spruce, Rosebay (a Rhododendron), and Loblolly Pine. I wish I could recommend Hemlocks, but they have suffered with the Wooly Adelgid invasion. If you want a big tree, pay attention to the mature height that it will reach, and place it carefully!

February 2024

New Master Gardener Classes through Fredericksburg Parks and Rec Master Gardeners are offering different classes once a month through Fredericksburg Parks and Rec. The first of these, January 20, was on Winter Seed Sowing. Several cold weather vegetables are very happy to start sprouting in a container on your deck. This class gave us the knowledge and materials to get started. Peas, beans, chard, kale, spinach, and others, are well protected in the warmth of the container, and get a strong head start for Spring planting. The next of these classes is on February 24th at 10 a.m. at the Dorothy Hart Community Center (DHCC) on Canal St. on Basic Floral Design. The class is free, but registration is necessary. Go to fxbgparks.com, and then Activities/Nature/MGACRA Programs to sign up. You will need to create an account to sign up. March 9th will be a demonstration class on Spring Shrub Pruning by Fredericksburg's arborist Bicknell Robbins at Cossey Park, 1601 Kenmore Ave. The April 16th class is on Composting at DHCC 10 a.m. Y'all come! MGACRA Spring Symposium April 13, 2024 is the date for our Spring Symposium which will again be at Gari Melchers Home and Studio. The theme is Sustainable Gardening: Growing a Greener Future. Bryce Lane. Jenny Rose Carey, and Leonard Githinji will speak about a variety of topics including climate change, growing food, and sustainable gardening practices. Lecture information and links to register and pay online (or by mail) is at www.mgacra.org/springsymposium.html.

Front porch fredericksburg

Tina Will is a Master Gardener and lives in Stafford County. She can be reached at brianandtina.will@gmail.com Different Horticultural Classes Each Month in 2024 10 a.m. Dorothy Hart Community Center February 24: Floral Design; March 9: Pruning at Cossey; April 16: Composting 101. Check out the January-A April 2024 Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation Bulletin www.FXBGparks.com MGACRA Symposium April 13 Gari Melcher's Home and Studio.

Sustainable Gardening: Growing a Greener Future. Speakers: Bryce Lane. Jenny Rose Carey, and Leonard Githinji

Dust of Snow By Robert Frost The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued.

Growing & Crawling slimy little weirdo By janet douberly While many of our local slugs love to nibble on our baby garden plants, the Leopard Slug, 'Limax maximus' has its own diet. They are detritivores, eating decaying plant matter as well as other slugs, making them a gardener's friend! While the European native Leopard Slug is considered an invasive species to the US, we can't help but be fascinated by its amazing habits! Consider its mating habits, if you haven't already. These slugs are not only hermaphroditic, with each partner walking (slime-ing) away from their romantic endeavors pregnant with around 200 fertilized eggs, but they are also thrill seekers. In the evening, once they meet up with a suitable partner (I must admit I don't know the criteria used by slugs to find partners) they take a romantic stroll together to the ledge of a rock or tree branch where they then lower themselves down on a rope made of their own slime and proceed to have marital relations while dangling in the air. All slugs are gastropods, distantly related to mollusks like squids, mussels,

snails, and oysters. The leopard slug is one of the few that still pay homage to their lineage and have a vestigial shell, about the size and shape of a fingernail, located just under their skin. If you are ever in a slug caressing mood, you can actually feel the hidden shell by giving the slug a gentle massage.

Also, they are edible.

Janet Douberly is a slug masseuse at Downtown Greens.

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

Mary Katherine Greenlaw The Burg's Depth of Gratitude to the Mayor By collette caprara At the launch of this new year, our "ubiquitous mayor" Mary Katherine Greenlaw passed the baton to the competent hands of Mayor Kerry Devine, but folks will likely be seeing her smiling face throughout the future as she delights in concerts, gatherings, and programs throughout the Burg. For her omnipresence and engagement with a Mayor Greenlaw joins Vice Mayor Charlie Fry Jr at the spectrum of city's “Witness to History Marker offerings has been elicited, not by her position as a collected through all the challenges the public servant (she has served as mayor city faced during her leadership. She since 2012 and as a member of City loves this city so much and it reflected in Council in the four years prior) but by an all her conversations and decisionauthentic affection and delight in her making." always-and-forever home town. In fact, her enthusiasm and joy in embracing people of all walks of life has Throughout her career, Mayor extended beyond the borders of our city Greenlaw's efforts and initiatives have and country, as she has supported and brought benefits in the arenas of fully engaged in Sister City relationships healthcare, homeless assistance education, with Frejus, France; Este, Italy; Schwetzingen, Germany; Prince's Town, Ghana; and Kathmandu, Nepal. When she led a contingent from Fredericksburg to Kathmandu to meet the mayor and counterparts in Nepal, Mary Katherine delighted in visits to the homes of sister-city members there and fully engaged in the celebration of the Tihar Festival, including trying out a swing that had been erected for the holiday, trying her Mayor Throws First Pitch at FredNats Opening hand at a pottery wheel in business development, and the arts. With Bhaktapur, and even riding atop an her leadership, many strides in elephant for a jungle safari in Chitwan environmental protection and National Park. In addition, the dancing preservation have been accomplished, skills that she had honed with the Sacred including the establishment of the city's Dance Ensemble of Fredericksburg were on network of trails and the creation of display with unbridled joy at the Riverfront Park. In addition, under her celebration. At every site she visited there leadership, City Council and staff worked was an excited buzz among the populace to bring the Fredericksburg Nationals who announced the presence of Maryminor league baseball team to the city Katherine-Greenlaw as if it were and, consequently, a first-class multi- hyphenated. purpose stadium that has served the city well. In the words of Brenda Martin, "Mary Katherine shows what Special Assistant to the City Manager, "The intelligence, kindness, steady hard work two words that come to mind when and exercise can do. She is open to describing Mayor Greenlaw would be anything and is kind, fun adventurous, poise and grace. She has always been and full of energy! My travels with her to willing to listen and remained calm and

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

our sister cities have created wonderful memories," said artist and sister city representative Cathy Herndon. "Mary Katherine has energized our sister city organizations with her enthusiasm for international outreach," said Kathryn Willis, president of the Fredericksburg-Este sister city. "Her presence at events, her travels with our groups and her unflagging support enrich our city's cultural life.” We tip our hats to Mayor Greenlaw and her indefatigable energy and investment in our city-which includes nearly 180 ribbon-cutting ceremonies, 200 speeches at a spectrum of openings, civic groups, business and city project openings, and more than 280 proclamations honoring local groups and individuals for their accomplishments in our community-we say Thank You for a job well done! Collette Caprara is a local writer & artist

Make this Valentine's Day Unforgettable for Her

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged Tues-Fri: 10a-5p Sat: 10a-4p Let Us Guide You in Planning a Romantic Gesture that will Leave a Lasting Impression!

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 gemstonecreations.org

Everyday Things it’s about time By Archer D i peppe As an interesting aside, it has been reported that when Richard Nixon was president, he took Jackie Gleason to see the spaceship wreckage and the alien bodies. One account even made the cover page for the National Enquirer. If you can't believe them, who can you believe?

A few months ago, the United States announced that they do have wreckage from outer space and alien bodies. I thought this would be a big deal. It engendered barely a yawn. My guess is that about half the people already believed in aliens and the other half will never believe in aliens, especially since the government confirmed it.

I can't help wondering what aliens might think of our concept of time. We on earth believe that time has something to do with our planet revolving on its axis, and the time it takes us to revolve around our sun. Really? Let's think about this. It is estimated that there are seven quadrillion grains of sand on earth and that scientists believe there are even more planets than that in our universe. I do not know how geologists came up with an estimate of the total number of grains of sand. With that many planets, we might want to assume that there are other life forms out there.

Now let's complicate things. Our own concept of time has not been set in stone. Our Julian Calendar was replaced with the Gregorian Calendar. It seems Julius Caesar's calendar had gotten out of sync with the seasons. This was bad for figuring out when Easter should occur and other problems. Pope Gregory XIII issued a Papal Bull announcing that the day after March 10th would be (wait for it) March 21, 1582. You might imagine that this did not set well with many people. The landlords were fine with it because they going to charge the same rents for the shortened month. The peasants, not so much. There were reports that there was rioting in the streets because many people believed they were being cheated out of 10 days of their lives. The story of the riots turned out to be one of our earliest urban myths.

Early on, it was only the Catholic countries that followed this change. The Protestant and Orthodox countries were not about to accept Papal Bulls. So, for a fair amount of time, you could cross a country's border and go back ten days in time. Eventually, the non-Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian Calander. The last country to change over was Turkey but not until 1927. Did you know it is rude to give someone in China a clock? It seems the pronunciation of the word clock sounds very similar to "attend a funeral". The longest continuously running clock is in the Salisbury Cathedral. It has been running since 1386. The most accurate clock on this planet is the Atomic Clock in Colorado. It will not gain or lose a second in 100 million years. That is the clock that the internet uses. Archer Di Peppe lives in Spotsylvania County

Donate to a Cancer Organization Let’s Find a Cure!

donatelifevirginia.org front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

TidBits small bites of local News By Bill Freehling

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm Fri & Sat, 11am-10pm Sun, 11am - 9pm Bar open until 2am everyday

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

Front Porch Fredericksburg

February 2024

Kenmore Inn Sold The historic Kenmore Inn in Fredericksburg has been sold to a Newport News-based company that plans to continue operating the facility. The owners of Ironclad Distillery Co. purchased the Fredericksburg property for $2.35 million. Ironclad makes bourbon whiskey at its Newport News facility and plans a tasting room in the basement of the Kenmore Inn. The plan is to open the tasting room within a month. The King family, which owns and operates Ironclad, also plans to continue running the Kenmore Inn as a bed-andbreakfast and event facility. That part of the business remains open now. We will feature the King family's plans for the facility more later!

New Inline Hockey League Coming to FXBG The Fredericksburg Hockey League, Washington Capitals and City of Fredericksburg have partnered on a new inline hockey league in Central and Northern Virginia. As a founding partner, Fredericksburg hosted an inline hockey tournament in January in Dixon Park. The tournament brought teams from Ashburn, Warrenton, Madison, Richmond and Ashland to engage. For more information on the Fredericksburg Roller Hockey League please visit fyrhl.org. Crimson Coward coming to Eagle Village A restaurant serving "Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches" is coming to Fredericksburg's Eagle Village shopping center. Crimson Coward will be located at 1217 Emancipation Highway, a retail space next to Sweet Frog where Little Caesars used to be. The restaurant's featured "The Crimson" is a "certified hormone-free, boneless breast cooked to perfection and served with Crimson Sauce, house-made slaw, pickles on an artisan brioche bun."

Front porch fredericksburg

Joel Griffin added to Fredericksburg EDA Local businessman Joel Griffin has been added to the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA). He is filling the vacancy left by Will Mackintosh, who was elected to Fredericksburg City Council in November.

Griffin is an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist with 25 years of private industry consulting experience and 20 years in government contracting. He is the founder and CEO of downtownbased Riphean Investments, a growthmanagement firm focusing on private equity, venture capital, hospitality and veteran-owned small businesses. His nonprofit of choice is Gwyneth's Gift Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness and education of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and the use of Automated External Defibrillators. Gwyneth's Gift was founded in 2015 by Griffin and his wife, Jennifer, in honor of their oldest daughter, Gwyneth. Townhouses Planned Across from Former Hospital Sixty-three townhouses are planned on two mostly vacant City of Fredericksburg blocks across from the former hospital at 2300 Fall Hill Avenue. A group of local developers recently purchased the parcels, which are in the 400 blocks of Hunter, Elm and Germania streets between Fall Hill Avenue and Charles Street. The parcels were formerly used as parking for the hospital. The development plan for the Mary's Landing project calls for the

demolition of the two structures at 2215 Fall Hill Avenue and 435 Hunter Street and the construction of 63 new townhouses. The structure at 2301 Fall Hill Avenue (the Medical Arts Building) will remain but is not part of the current application to the City. The former hospital at 2300 Fall Hill Avenue is under contract to be sold, but it's not part of this application either Silver Diner, Chase Bank Project Under Way at Central Park Entrance A project is under way that will bring a popular restaurant and a national bank branch to the main entrance of Fredericksburg's Central Park shopping center. A Silver Diner and a Chase Bank are planned on the site at 2931-2951 Plank Road at the intersection of Plank Road and Carl D. Silver Parkway. The two existing buildings on that site, which formerly housed a Ruby Tuesday and a Pancho Villa restaurant, have recently been torn down for the project.

New Flags Downtown Honors Diversity New flags in downtown are being flown in honor of Fredericksburg's diversity. Yu'll see these flags along downtown Caroline, Princess Anne and William streets

Bill Freehling, Fredericksburg's director of economic development and tourism

Season’s Bounty

The Sunken Well Tavern

F-F-February

vanessa moncure

Eat Well Drink Well Live Well 720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911

Spring will be here again, I know. But it seems like a looong time to see the first sign of snowdrops popping up in my yard, especially when punctuated by subfreezing days, snow and icy weather. No matter what it's like outside, I know the dog still needs a walk and I have errands to run and chores to attend to - but unlike during clement weather, I am always glad to get home for a warming cup of tea and an afternoon perusal of my cookbooks. And what am I perusing? Of course the SOUPS AND STEWS section of my cookbook! I love to put ingredients for a warming stew in my Dutch oven and let it simmer on the back burner of the stove, stirring occasionally. The mouthwatering aroma of that, and maybe in tandem with the yeasty tang of bread rising on the counter, is enough to get everyone to the dinner table in time. OLD FASHIONED POT ROAST This is one of my family's favorite cold weather meal.

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA

Lightly oil the bottom of a large Dutch oven. Place a 2 ½ - 3 lb.chuck roast in the bottom. Top it with a dry packet of Knorr French Onion soup mix (or Lipton). Peel and cut 6 Yukon Gold potatoes into halves and place in a bowl large enough for all your vegetables. Slice 3-4 large onions into chunks and add one pound of baby carrots (or one pound of peeled and chunked whole carrots). Stir into the vegetable mixture 2tsp garlic powder, ground black pepper to taste, ¼ tsp dried thyme and 1/4C chopped fresh parsley or 1T dried parsley. Spoon over the beef, then add 3 cups beef stock.

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

Phone: 540-899-0969 soupntaco@yahoo.com

Bake in a 325F oven for at least four hours, checking on it every hour to make sure there is still plenty of stock as you will be making gravy to serve with the roast. It is done when the beef is tender and you can easily break it apart with a fork. When done, move the beef and vegetables to a large platter, reserving the stock. For every cup of stock, you will need 2T of flour to thicken. Stir the flour into enough water to make it pourable, adding additional flour for every cup of water. Bring the gravy to a boil and simmer for a minute or two before serving.

If you have leftovers, use them to make a quick beef hash. BEEF HASH Chop leftover beef, potatoes, onions and carrots from the pot roast into bite-sized pieces and spoon into a large shallow saucepan, reserving the extra gravy. Sauté over medium heat until heated through. Meanwhile, melt 4T butter in a saucepan, then stir in 4T flour and cook over medium heat until it begins to color. Stir in the extra gravy from the pot roast with enough beef broth to make one cup, stirring continuously until it thickens and comes to a simmer. Stir into the beef and vegetables and heat through. You don't want the hash to be soupy, but more like a stew. Serve over hot biscuits or toast. SHRIMP AND MUSHROOM RISOTTO I always use my Instant Pot when making this dish. Instead of slaving over the stovetop, adding stock little by little to the Arborio rice, it's a quick 8-minutes of cooking on HIGH pressure with a 10minute release, then adding the shrimp, frozen peas and some fresh parsley. (If you don't have an Instant Pot, use a deep saucepan to sauté the butter, shallots and mushrooms, then add the rice.

Have 2 1/2C broth at a simmer in another saucepan and add by 1/4C, as the liquid is absorbed, to the also simmering uncovered rice mixture, cooking for about 20 minutes or until the rice is slightly al dente -then add the shrimp, peas and parsley.) On SAUTE, melt 4T butter. Stir in and cook 2C sliced cremini (Baby Bella) mushrooms with 2 chopped shallots and 2 minced garlic cloves for 2-3 minutes. Stir in 1/4C white wine (opt), 2C chicken broth (adding additional 1/4C if not using wine), S&P to taste and 1 1/4C uncooked Arborio rice. Seal the lid and cook on HIGH for 8 minutes. Release steam, open lid and stir in 1 LB deveined large shrimp, 1/2C frozen peas and 2T chopped fresh parsley. Replace the lid for 5 minutes - the retained heat should be enough to cook the shrimp and peas through without overcooking and making the shrimp tough. You can also make this recipe using scallops by the same method - just delete the peas. Enjoy!

Vanessa serves up yummy recipes to warm our bellies

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

Dan & Natalie Ealy A SPECIAL VALENTINE’S COUPLE BY COLLETTE CAPRARA M.C. Morris, an assistant director of Fredericksburg's Department of Economic Development, describes coworker Natalie Ealy as the "glue" of their multi-missioned office. Natalie's bonding qualities are evident in many of the relationships she enjoys, and none more strongly than in her beautiful and inspiring marriage to her husband of 22 years, Dan Ealy. Dan is a Marine and, throughout his career, the couple has experienced multiple "permanent change of station" assignments. "We have moved eight times with the military," said Natalie. "We lived on the East Coast, and in California for nine years, as well as three years in Hawaii." Dan has been on three combat assignments: two to Iraq and one to Afghanistan and the couple has experienced multiple periods of separation throughout their marriage. The Ealys have a daughter, Healy, whose husband Tyree, is also a Marine, and a son, Isaac, both of whom are James Monroe High School graduates.

every connection was precious. One emotive memory was the day her phone rang when she was on her way to a concert with a friend. It was Dan, who announced that he was in the same time zone. "I almost ran my car off the road and had to pull over. I was flooded with tears of happiness. There was no one in my life at that time who could mentor me and prepare me for what it would be like going through a deployment." Yet Dan and Natalie, also recount the depth of the joy of the reunions that followed those periods of separation. "There is nothing I will treasure more than that first hug and kiss when Dan returned, and the gratitude I felt when we were blessed to have him back home," said Natalie. "And even though we had a long-distance relationship for much of the time, we were also blessed to experience many adventures and to make many cherished friends during the course of those years." One special memory is of the excitement of exploring Okinawa, Japan, where they spent their favorite Christmas with their children.

"It seems that we were apart for more holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays than we've been together," said Natalie. Their times apart include the occasions of their children's births. Dan was in boot camp when Healy was born and was in Iraq during the birth of Isaac. "Dan's first deployment was something I could have never been prepared for," Natalie recalled. "Dan left in 2003 for the invasion of Iraq and was gone for nine months. We would write letters back and forth, and we had to number them because sometimes multiple letters would come at once."

Though being separated and experiencing uncertainty posed a challenge, Dan and Natalie say that being apart and making it work has augmented the depth of the love in their relationship. When asked for the "secret sauce" of a lasting and loving marriage, they list the following ingredients: "respect, flexibility, humor, affection for one another, supporting each other's dreams, a lot of patience, making the most of the time we have with one another and (with a wink) a dash of A. Smith Bowman's Small Batch."

Throughout that time, there were very few phone calls or emails, and

they

Each, in turn, cites the qualities admire most in each other.

Olde Towne Butcher Traditional Butchery - Fresh Perspective

Clean, local, sustainable, humane foods prepared fresh. Better for you and your family, better for our planet, better for local economy, better food! 401 William St - Fredericksburg 540-370-4105 - OldeTowneButcher.com 14

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

Describing her husband, Natalie said, "Dan is the most selfless person I have ever met. He is the most dependable person and goes above and beyond for any friend or family member. He shows his love through action." She recalls one Mothers' Day when he detailed her car, and changed her oil and brakes. "It may not have been the most romantic or flashy present, but it is what I needed and was done with heart," said Natalie. Dan, likewise, treasures Natalie's selflessness, which he describes as "warm and infectious" as she puts everyone else's needs above her own. Others have also recognized the special qualities of the Ealy's relationship and Natalie was honored as the 2023 AFI Marine Corps Spouse of the Year-an award

that recognizes military spouses' important contributions and unwavering commitment to the military community and our country. As the story of Dan and Natalie shows, being a model Valentine couple involves more than the sweet sentiments on greeting cards but rather is a testament to a deep love forged through both challenging and experiences, which uplifts and inspires all whose lives they reach. Collette a believer in life’s blessings alway finds people to inspire us

Vino not your typical wine & truffle pairing by Rita Allan Valentine's Day is coming up, and most of us instantly think chocolate when we hear wine and truffles, right? Well, this could be the proverbial chocolate-andwine-pairing blog, and don't get me wrong, chocolate and wine is good, but let's put a spin on it this year, and sip and savor. Let us expand our palate pleasure and take a savory trip to Truffle-Town. Consider the other truffle this holiday. Expanding on the pairing of truffles and wine, head to the earthy, unctuous, and elegant fungi truffle. Yes, you read right, but do not despair. If you like savory and that perfect pairing, keep reading! You won't find these truffles in a sweet shop; on the contrary these are found bedded around trees and forest floors. Truffles are hypogeous fungi that grow close to the roots of trees and develop intense aromas when reaching maturity, in order to attract animals to

eat them and, in doing so, spread the spores. Truffles can be found all over the world; however, are mostly found in France, Italy and Spain. Coincidentally, you can also find great wine in each of those countries. Italy is often considered the land of love and romance. After all, that's where we met Romeo and Juliet. For romantic dining consider a wine from Juliet's birthplace such as the Passimento Rosso Veneto, or the Massimago "Zurlie" Sparkling Rosé, and pair either with Tartufo Bianco, white truffle risotto. Or a Barolo, with a steak topped with truffle carpaccio. Departing Italy, head to España for Black Winter Truffles. Spain is rich with black truffles, with the most production in the northeastern Girona Forest. Black truffles can be a bit pricey, but this is a special evening! To keep costs reasonable, and so you can still afford the roses, use shaved truffles over potatoes with some type of game meat, like venison or lamb, with Burgo Viejo Reserva Rioja DOCa Spain. The dark fruit and spicy characters of this wine will complement the earthy, gamey notes of the truffles and meat. If your favorite companion on Valentines Day is a romantic movie like Breakfast at Tiffany's or Casablanca, C'est la vie! One of the best pairings with truffles is Champagne!! Have some popcorn popped in white truffle oil, or just grab a bag of truffle potato chips and pop a bubbly! The salty, earthy combination is a heavenly partner to a yeasty brioche glass of bubbles, and poof, your night has

been elevated to elegance. If all of this savory earthy talk has left you longing for the sweet type, or if you decide to choose one of the above pairings for your evening, and you want a sweet finish, a few things to keep in mind: chocolate has tannins just as red wine does, so remember this, when pairing. A "big" chocolate goes with a "big" wine. A sweeter truffle pairs with a wine with some fruitiness to it, like the Barrell Oak Winery Chocolate Lab. However, if your truffle is more on the dark side and not sweet, you do not want a sweet wine; choose a rich port or a "big" wine, like Petit Verdot. If you have never tried Madeira and want a new experience, try a Madeira and something with salt, like a truffle sprinkled

with sea salt. It's a game changer! The unique raisiny notes of the Madeira are a perfect companion to sweet-salty. We hope you enjoyed this trip, and are inspired to venture from the sweet truffle to the savory one, and find your own favorite pairing! After all, the trials and trips with pairing are the most fun! Let us know what you discover! Cheers to you from truffletown, and Happy Valentine's Day!

City Vino at 810 Caroline St is were you will find owner Rita Allan to provide you answers to all your wine questions

Join Us for Breakfast Get a Flavorful Start Breakfast Specials at The Bistro 540-373-8300 620 Caroline St. front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

CALEND February 2024 “All You Need is Love....”

Live Music Michelle & Jason Hannan

Saturday February 3

Food Co-op walking group 320 Emancipation Highway 9-10a

Thursday February 1

National Freedom Day First Day of Black History Month Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p Guys Night Axe Throwing, Hey fellas, looking for a thrilling night out with the boys? Look no further than FXBG Axes! perfect way to let off some steam 514 Landsdowne Rd, 5-10p "Origins: Taylor Anton White" opening reception 5-7p, UMW duPont Gallery, 1301 College Ave. Show thru March 24 "Elemental" @ Ridderhof Martin Gallery, Umw, features six artists who investigate the natural elements through various aspects of materials, form & contentshow thru March

Changing the Landscape, New Wayside Panels in City , Opening Reception & Guided Trolley Tour, 1:30 p.m. FxbgArea Museum, Free Winter Tree ID with VA Master Naturalist, Belman Campus Downtown Greens, 1360 Belman Rd, 3p Live Music Anthony James Band @The Pub, 4187 Plank Rd, 8-11p

Learn about Girl Scouts grades K-12

Live Music The Phenomenal Conundrum @Adventure Brewing North, unforgettable evening of Folk, Soul, and Grunge music , 7p

UMW celebrates Chinese New Year, Weatherly Wing

Live Music #Unchained @Water's End Brewery Fxbg Square, n525 Caroline St, 6:30

Gaye Adegbalola, award -winning blu 320 Emancipation Highway 2-2:30p

Sunday February 4

National African American Read-In American books and authors. CRRL

The Acoustic Onion, 7-10p Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd

First Friday February 2

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

"Seen" Work of African American Artists of Fredericksburg , Fxbg Area Museum, 907 Princess Anne St, 5-8p "Love is in the Air", Brush Strokes Gallery All Member Show opening reception, 5-9p, 824 Caroline St "All Photograph" &^ Zee Berrios @Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, 813 Sophia St "Collaboration" Artist Working with Artist All Member Show Dimensions opening reception, 6-9p, 922 Caroline St

Artful

"All Those Years", A 32nd Anniversary Celebration featuring a collection of works by Art First artists, opening reception 6-p, 824 Caroline St Annie Harpe Guest Artist @Darbytown Art Studio, 241 Charles St,Opening reception 5-8:30 Tasting by Gasstronomical" "Pink" LibertyTown Arts Workshop, opening 6-9p, 916 Liberty St. Joe Fiorello Guest Artist Canal Quarters 1517 Princess Anne, 5-8:30p Latin Night featuring DJ Elle Jay @ HighmarkBrewery, 6:30-9:30p Pours and Pasties Burlesque and Variety Show 350 Lansdowne Rd, 8:30-11p

Strangeways Brewing

Live Music Collective @ Hard Times Cafe 10760 Patriot Hwy, 9p Live Music Ladia @Curitaba Arts Cafe, 919 Caroline St, 8-10p Live Music Marc Alfred @ Adventure Brewing North, 7p Live Music Shannon Peters & Ryan French @Water's End Brewery 535 Caroline St, 6:30-9:30p

Bag Bee- volunteers turn unwanted t-shirts into shopping bags Food -CoOp, 2-3:30p 320 Emancipation Highway Live Music Spike @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 7-9:30p

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

Sunday February 11

Join Old Dominion Humane Society meet at the ODHS center at 3602 L

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern,

Serving Our Neighbors, Thurman Br 4p; Serve:6p

Tuesday February 6

Valentine Wine Glass Paint & Sip, cre Wine Bar & Tasting, 209 William St,

Great Lives Lecture Series, "George Washington" 7:30 p, Dodd Aud

Pack Walk Come bring your dog fo Come for socialization for your dog Lee Pratt Park, 9-10:30a, 120 River

Chair yoga Food -Co-Op, 6-6:45 320 Emancipation Highway

Wednesday February 7

Come to this monthly community meditation, where we will use a mantra meditation to help you get out of your head and feel your own energy. FREE, CRRL Fxbg Branch, 6-7:15p Ukulele Jamming- all are welcome to join the fun Food -Co-Op, 7p 320 Emancipation Highway Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p, Great Lives Lecture Series, "Mary Lumpkin: Enslaved Women, Liberator" 7:30 p, UMW Dodd Auditorium Book Group- a Raisin in the Sun Food -Co-Op, 1p &7p 320 Emancipation Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p Live Music Fxbg Jazz Club@ Coloniial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvdn 7:30p

Super Bowl LVIII, Half Time Perform

Live Music Crowfoot Bottom@ 6B&G

Wednesday February 14

Valentine's Day...tell someone pecial

Live Music Brian Lyra Brown @ C Caroline St 6-9p Valentine's Party with Elle Jay @Curi

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm

Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Carol

Thursday February 15

Great Lives Lecture Series, "FDR" 7:3

Friday February 9

"Artist Choice" multiple artist show, Artist Alliance, 100 Taylor St, Ste 101, Colonial Beach, opening reception 6-9p

fabtrail.com

St George Episcopal Church ann celebration returns from 5 - 7 pm in

Valentine's Day Dinner at Wild Hare

Thursday February 8

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG

Saturday Februsry 10

Happy Birthday, George! 11a - 4pP M celebrate Included with your standar crafts for children. Cake and crafts w

Join Old Dominion Humane Society in Hikes with rescue dogs. Volunteers pair dogs with hikers and lead the group on the trails. Hikers meet at the ODHS center at 3602 Lafayette Blvd 8:30 a. (every sunday)

Ground Hog Day…Will He or Won't He?

Live Music Chris Ryan Band, Hard T

FB @ FABeerTrail

Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark B

DAR of events

, Highmark Brewery, 5:30p

Times Cafe, 10760 Patriot Hwy, 9p

Mary Washington House Join us as we rd admission ticket are free cake and will be offered while supplies last.

2 Dorothy Hart Center, 10-11:30a with music 11a-1p, Seacobeck Hall,

Celebrate love with a romantic twist! Join us for a Valentine paint and sip night where you and your partner sip & make art together! Wild Hare Cidar Pub & Courtyard, 205 William St, 5:30-8pm

Live Music Tennyson Dragon@Fxbg Square, classic rock from the 70's & 80's , 525 Caroline St, 6:30-9:30p

Friday February 16

Saturday February 24

Fredericksburg Spring Home Show Fxbg Convention Center, thru 2/18 Partner Yoga Explore a new way to connect through yoga! Bring a loved one or friend Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 810 Caroline St, 5:30-6:45p

Saturday February 17

Changing the Landscape Trolley Tour of the New Wayside Panels, Downtown 1:30-2:30p, meet at FAM, 907 Princess Anne St

n, read together, centering African Fxbg Branch, 2-3:30p

Nature Walk Belman Campus Downtown Greens, see wonders nature From flora to fauna, from woods to wetlands we'll explore the area including taking a peek at the riparian buffer created by planting 810 native food-bearing trees! 1360 Belman Rd, 11a FREE

y in Hikes with rescue dogs. hikers afayette Blvd at 8:30 a.

Live Music Heavy Metal Love @ Adventure Brewing N, night of heavy metal Valentine's Day music, beer,& love. 6-10p

, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

Sunday February 18

eate your own desin wine glass, Curio , 12:20-3p

Join Old Dominion Humane Society in Hikes with rescue dogs. Volunteers pair dogs with hikers meet at the ODHS 3602 Lafayette Blvd 8:30 a. Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p Live Music Made in the USA @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 7-9:30p

or a fun judgement free pack walk. with other dogs and humans , John Rd.

Monday February 19

nual Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday n Sydnor Hall!

Shut Up & Write! Join us for an hour of writing! Books-A-Million, Spotsy Mall, 6:30-8:30p

mer Usher, kickoff 6:30p

G, 1140 International Pkw, 7-9:30p that you love them!

e Cider, 205 William St, 6:30-9:30p

Courtyard Mariott Downtown, 620

itba Art Cafe , 919 Caroline St, 6-9p

m 720 Littlepage

line St, 7-10p,

Live Music Rick Hollowell @Adventure Brewing North, 7-9p

Live Music Bruce Middle Group@ Colonial Tavern 406 Lafayette Blvd, 8p

ues musician in concert Food -Co-Op,

risben Center, 471 Central Rd, Prep:

Friday February 23

Presidents Day

Tuesday February 20

Great Lives Lecture Series, "Picasso" 7:30 p, UMW Dodd Auditorium Lovebirds & Libations Romantic Paint Night, painting, beer, music Maltese Brewing Co, 11047 Pierson Dr, 6-8p

Wednesday February 21

Spirits Festival celebration of all things spirits Spirits Fest Award Winning VA Distilleries FXBG Fairgrounds, 11a-4p Lion's Mane Mushroom Workshop Downtown Greens lower garden 206 Charles St with mushroom guy, Ryan Mooney, all materials you need to grow your very own Lion's Mane Mushroom 1p Live Music Drew Dodson @ Adventure Brewing, North, 7p Live Music Kylie Brown @Water's End Brewery Fxbg Squar, 525 Caroline St, 6:30-9:30p

Sunday February 25

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p Youth Climate Action Summit Join local students & industry professionals exploring the many facets of climate crisis. Engaing presentations, hands-on workshops.10a Possum Yoga Come join us for a 1 hr Possum Themed Flow Yoga Class at Possum-bilities , 211 William St, 10:30a Valentine's Adoption Event VCA White Oak training center, in partnership with Old Dominion Humane Society ask the trainer, indoor and outdoor activities. Come meet and greet the adorable pups! 12-4p White Oak Animal Hospital, 10Walsh Lane Live Music ChippBurg@6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 8p

Tuesday February 27

Shut Up & Write! Join us for an hour of writing! Great Lives Lecture Series, "Martin Luther King" 7:30 p, UMW Dodd Aud

Wednesday February 28

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p,

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage

Thursday February 29

Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p, Audience is invited to CLAP / SNAP / STOMP, as long as it does not distract the performer.

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA

Thursday February 22 National Walk Your Dog Day

Food as MedicineFood -Co-Op, 12-1p 320 Emancipation Highway Artist talk, Taylor Anton White, UMW duPont Gallery, 5p

30 p, UMW Dodd Auditorium

Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p

Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p

Great Lives "Stan Lee: Spider-Man & Marvel Comics" 7:30 p, Dodd Aud

Great Lives Lecture Series, "Rosemary Kennedy" 7:30 p, Dodd Aud

Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p .If you are reading this 319th issue of FPF,

thank an advertiser now in our 27th year of continuous publication!

List your events email frntprch@aol.com: subject Calendar/Events Deadline for March 2024 issue is February 19th.

Helping homeless children and families in City of Fredericksburg, Counties of Caroline, Stafford & Spotsylvania 540 371 0831

donatelifevirginia.org dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#organs.asp front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

history’s stories

Colonial Beach Eastlake Murder 1921 By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks had a son and daughter. In 1916 Roger was in the Navy stationed at Cape May, it was during this time that Roger met Sarah Knox who was 40 years of age, much older than Roger. Roger and Sarah had an affair, which Margaret was aware of. Roger was sent overseas during the war. It was during this time that Margaret sent a letter to President Woodrow Wilson requesting that Roger be relocated when his tour of duty was over, trying to get away from the Knox family especially Sarah.

Many years ago when I was Town Manager of Colonial Beach I was d o i n g research on past events of the history of the Town. Along with the "Oyster War" an event occurred in 1921 that many long time residents still consider one of the scandalous events in the history of the Town that goes back to its inception in 1890. There were many versions of the story in and out of print. Joyce Coates and Jackie Shinn complied excellent material from the information available. I continued the research available in up to date articles and obituaries as many of family members were all deceased by 2010. The story begins in a well to do part of Philadelphia 1910, Margaret Lamphier Thorne (19) begins a relationship with Roger Delano Eastlake (21). Both families disapprove of the relationship. After two years Roger and Margaret eloped and were married. They

Roger was relocated to Dahlgren in 1919, as his new duty station. Roger sent Sarah a letter asking her to relocate to Dahlgren as he was moving to Colonial Beach. Sarah was working in Philadelphia as a nurse. Roger who was 32 was a Chief Petty Officer serving as a chief machinist's mate, his wife Margaret was living on Lincoln Avenue in Colonial Beach. Roger also taught religious classes at a local church on Sunday. Their son was seven and their daughter was 5. In September 1921 Sarah Knox had a room at the DeAtley Hotel, and was well known in Colonial Beach. It is said that her "friendship" with Roger Eastlake was not a hidden secret. Margaret had spoken to her neighbor about her fears of Sarah Knox, and that she feared for her life. She had also contacted an attorney about filing for divorce. Margaret had plans to move in with her sister-in-law. Roger had received orders that he was being transferred to California.

Several articles of blood stained clothing was found in the Potomac River near Lincoln Avenue. There are several versions of the crime scene.

Knox was found "GUILTY" and sentenced to twenty years in prison. She served twelve before her release. Roger remained in the Navy.

Sarah Knox and Roger Eastlake were charged with murder. The local residents became so violent protesting that Knox and Eastlake were moved to Fredericksburg for their protection.

Roger married again to Susan Bell Crittenden, a nurse who worked with Sarah Knox. He remained married to Susan until her death in 1940. He married again in 1947 to Erva Annetta Sparks who he met while married to Susan. Roger died in 1950 at the age of 60

In December 1921 Roger Eastlake was tried in Westmoreland, twelve male jury as women were not allowed to serve on a jury trial until 1950. Roger could not explain why he was in a clean Navy uniform instead of his usual work clothes. The jury deliberated 36 minutes and declared Roger "NOT GUILTY". Sarah was tried in April 1922. Evidence presented was that Sarah had taken an axe to be sharpened and that it was property of the Eastlakes. At the trial the Eastlake children stated their father locked them in their bedroom and that he had on the hat and rain coat found at the crime scene. The court could not retry Roger on the new evidence since he had previously been declared innocent. Sarah

Margaret is buried in Philadelphia in Ivy Hill Cemetery under the name of Lamphier

Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

On September 30,1921, Sarah woke a neighbor to call the police to report that Margaret Eastlake had been shot. When the police arrived Sergeant Hall discovered that Margaret had been killed with a hammer, axe and possible gun shots and her throat was cut. Evidence included a blood stained rain coat and hat.

The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is a non-profit, all-volunteer archives whose mission is to preserve historically valuable material of the region and make it available to the public for research 900 Barton St #111, Fredericksburg, VA www.crhcarchives.org contact@crhcarchives.org 540-373-3704 Volunteers Wecome! Contact us about donating collections of documents and photographs 18

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

907 Princess Anne Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

OUR HERITAGE HFFI celebrates art (+) history at Johnny Johnson's Studio By danae peckler

As a practice and field of study, historic preservation has been closely tied to celebrated works of American art and architecture. Some of the earliest victories in the preservation movement included one-of-a-kind, unique, highly crafted spaces and places commissioned by or belonging to individuals of great wealth and elevated social status. An example is Kenmore-w widely seen as the best Colonialera interior plasterwork in America. Historically, although the name(s) of most the craftspeople and artisans who labored to create iconic works of art in architecture have been lost to time, a select few-often individual painters, sculptors, and purveyors of fine furniturehave made lasting contributions that continue to captivate the collective consciousness. Johnny P. Johnson is one such artist whose life and work have important historical significance, particularly here in Fredericksburg.

A l t h o u g h Johnny P. Johnson left Fredericksburg a legacy that extends well beyond his p a i n t i n g s , making art and teaching others about it was the gateway through which he made l a s t i n g contributions to this community. For this reason, HFFI is donating a historic marker and accompanying research report to designate Johnson's Studio at 1313 Charles Street as a place of historical significance. (photo) In 1997, Johnson gave a two-part oral history in conjunction with HFFI's oral history program, a transcription of which is on file and online from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Johnson spoke at length about his career in art and education, the local civil rights movement, and his life experience in Fredericksburg. The interviews provided specific details about his use of the studio space and its history as well as that of the surrounding 1300 block of Charles Street. Shortly after taking his first teaching job at Walker Grant High School in 1959, Johnny and his wife, Jean Johnson, moved into 1308 Charles Streetone of several houses owned and occupied by African Americans on the block. Johnson began leasing the concrete-block

building at 1313 Charles as a studio in 1971 and in 1992, purchased the property, including the apartments at 1311 Charles Street. The lot previously belonged to Dallas Montgomery Kay, Jr. (1907-1988), an African American, college-educated, veteran of World-War II, and his mother, Gussie M. Kay (1885-1960), a graduate of

Virginia State College and local schoolteacher. The family operated two businesses on the property-Kay Cleaners and Kay Funeral Home. In 1946, D.M. Kay, Jr., received a building permit to add a "cleaning and pressing shop" to the small, latenineteenth-century, brick structure that served Kay Cleaners at 1313 Charles Street. Another permit, given to Gussie Kay in 1953, details alterations to add stucco to the exterior of the "funeral home and living quarters" at 1311, along with some new interior partitions and plumbing. Both buildings were reported as vacant in the 1965 City Directory and needed significant repair by the time

Johnson purchased the property in the early 1990s. The older portion of the laundry, constructed in 1885 as the "pattern shop" at Charles E. Hunter's Farmers Friend Plow Works, had deteriorated to a ruinous state, and in 1993, the ARB approved its demolition. Visible traces remain in the low brick wall lining the northwest corner of the lot and the west wall of the extant building.

By placing a marker at this seemingly ordinary property, HFFI hopes to alert visitors and remind residents of its history and historically significant association with one of Fredericksburg's most important artists.

Danae Peckler is HFFI Preservationist Photo of Johnny Courtesy of Shiloh B aptist Church, Old Site

Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737 front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

Mental Health high functioning depression By margot harris The day I turned in my master's thesis, I woke up early. I curled my hair and applied a generous coat of makeup even making time for contouring and setting spray. I posed for pictures with a school friend; we beamed, holding our freshly printed and bound 100-page documents. Sometimes, I look back at the photos to inspect the scene: I appear comfortable, leaning against the ivycovered wall at my university, which I chose for its prestige. I'm flashing my pearliest smile and showing off my perfectly polished fingernails, which matched the color of my dress. That afternoon, I turned in my thesis, dropping it triumphantly in a large basket on the dean's desk. I chatted with one of my professors, hugged several of my classmates and walked back to my apartment. Then, I crumbled to the floor, unable to even take my shoes off, and sat there for seven hours. I leaned against the white wall of my kitchen, ruminating on my feelings of emptiness. Even when my loving and supportive dog nudged me with her nose to ask for a walk, I struggled to move. While I can't say for sure what image I presented to the world that day, I don't think that anyone would have guessed that I was in the throes of a deep depression. I looked put together, I was keeping up with my academic responsibilities, and I seemingly had my life "in order," but in reality, I was barely hanging on. In fact, I was at the lowest point in my life. Understanding High Functioning Depression I belong to a category of people who live with "high functioning" depression. While this is not a clinical

diagnosis, it has become a widely understood term to describe the reality of many: Depression doesn't look the same in everyone - and there are plenty of "normally" functioning people who are privately battling depressive symptoms. Essentially, this term refers to anyone who is grappling with mental health issues while accomplishing their day-to-day tasks and upholding their responsibilities. 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness, and as this number has grown, the conversation surrounding mental health has evolved. More and more people are discussing their mental health journeys and sharing their symptoms and diagnoses, but this dialogue still has a long way to go to be inclusive. We must remember that mental illness can look different in everyone. Depression isn't just the one-dimensional depiction we see in media: someone who experiences total isolation, won't get out of bed and refuses to participate in everyday life. During my two years in graduate school, I was able to attend class, keep up with most of my homework and complete a large thesis project. I paid my rent, and I called my family regularly. I also felt a constant pain radiating in my chest and an all-e encompassing sadness that clouded my ability to picture a future for myself. I thought about self-harm and suicide frequently - racking up alarming internet searches about suicide methods and putting together a will. Whenever I wasn't bound by social expectation, I folded in on myself. The rumination would start slow; I would reflect on my loneliness and perceived inadequacies. Every limb hurt. Every move was excruciating. Sometimes I would cry myself into exhaustion; other

times I didn't have the physical energy to cry. But I found ways to (eventually) get out of bed and complete my baseline tasks.

How To Help Others With HighFunctioning Depression Establishing that mental illness manifests differently in everyone is the first step to evolving the mental health conversation. But what should we do with this information? I am not a mental health professional or qualified to give medical advice, but I can reflect on the things that could have helped me on my own journey. .Check in with your friends, even the ones who seem to be doing well. There were certainly times when I looked "ok" but was desperately needing extra support. A simple text from a friend could have eased some of the tightness in my chest. ..Don't assume you know everyone's story. While I think I acted relatively "normal" during the throes of depression, I know there were days when my behavior and demeanor came off as odd or cold. I remember some classmates rolling their eyes and making occasional snide comments. It's natural to make judgments, but I encourage you to challenge this tendency and remind yourself that there is always a more complex picture. And given the staggering numbers, it is more than likely that someone in your life is battling mental illness. ..Open up. If you're comfortable sharing some of your own

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

story your challenges, your vulnerabilities, your fears - you are actively building community with people who are struggling. Looking back, I remember thinking that I was the only person who could possibly experience such negative thought patterns and fears. Had someone close to me opened up about their own challenges, I would have found some comfort in knowing that I wasn't alone. Ultimately, through therapy and medication, I have found some level of recovery. My depression is not what it once was; I don't experience extreme lows or suicidal ideation anymore. I have developed coping skills and found a support system to guide me through the rough patches. When I think about how much my emotional well-being has changed, I can't help but notice that my appearance to the outside world has remained the same: everything looks "fine." But appearances are not the full story. Depression can look like me.

Margot Harris is a Content Manager with the Marketing & Communications team at NAMI. She lives in Washington, D.C.

Emancipated Patients pmad By Patrick Neustatter, MD The joy of writing this column for Front Porch is that it gives me an excuse for what the Australians call being "a Sticky Beak." A reason to stick my "beak" into interesting medical issues I come across. The current issue that I'm told needs publicizing is PMAD. You may be like I was, and not know what this is - or know it by the older partum and less specific handle of "post-p depression." A Mess of Emotional Disorders PMAD stands for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder. It is a whole mess of emotional issues that includes depression, but also anxiety, psychosis, obsessive compulsive disorder causing fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, poor sleep and poor appetite. It can interfere with mother/child bonding, and the child's development. It may even be so bad as to cause suicide.

It is "the #1 complication of pregnancy and childbirth" but the claim is "80 percent of cases go undiagnosed" and it can occur up to 2 years after delivery. I was alerted to this issue by Mandolin Restivo - who I wrote about in 2017 in her role as a birth doula. But she has moved on since then. She suffered depression after her son was born, and looking for help, came across Postpartum Support Virginia (PSV), an organization started by a mother who "was struggling" but was told "it was just typical motherhood" Mandolin told me. Mandolin, who has a master's degree, a background in management of sexual assault, domestic violence and women's studies has since become the Executive Director of PSV, and told me how their mission is to educate, and work toward universal screening of all pregnant women - or even those contemplating pregnancy.

Stigma PMAD seems to suffer the same "red-headed-stepchild" fate as other mental disorders - that they are seen as some kind of character flaw or moral deficiency. A lack of sufficient chutzpa to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. This is institutionalized to an extent - Mandolin told me of a woman afraid to get on treatment of her PMAD for fear of losing her security clearance. Or other women fear admitting to this kind of mental health issues will cause child protective services to come and take their child. Another member of PSV is Brandy Thurston, a volunteer answering the "Warm Line." She told me she went through an episode of psychosis with her first pregnancy. "I couldn't eat or sleep" she told me. Reinforcing the idea that people need to know about PMAD she told me "no matter what you learn from a book, it doesn't prepare you"

She got treatment and got better and wants to spread the word. Working as a volunteer, she says has been helped by having the "lived experience." Incidentally, she also told me she "does hair" - confirming my long-held notion that barbers and hairdressers are also amateur psychotherapists getting to discuss their customers problems. "Things have improved in the last 5 years" Mandolin told me, but still a lot of women "suffer in silence." So, women need to be aware - especially those with risk factors like having a previous history of some mental health issue or substance abuse, being in poor socioeconomic circumstances, isolated with poor support systems, and especially if they have an unwanted pregnancy. The bottom line is, "people need to know about PMAD" she told me.

Patrick Neustatter, MD is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic

Have You Tried Acupuncture?

Call Now to Schedule 540.847.6985 AcupunctureFredericksburg.com front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

Taylor Anton White Origin Series Exhibition Shannon Petska The University of Mary Washington Galleries is pleased to present the solo Origins: exhibition Taylor Anton White. Internationally acclaimed artist and UMW alumnus Taylor Anton White (BA 2017) creates bold, absurdist abstractions rooted in spontaneity, action, and play. For the Richmondbased artist's first exhibition on campus since graduating, Origins: Taylor Anton

Shannon Petska is the UMW Galleries Exhibition Coordinator

Origins: Taylor Anton White part of the annual Origin Series, celebrating UMW Studio Art Alumni.

Night is Coming White includes explosively drawn and painted pieces that pull from techniques and concepts honed during his time at Mary Washington. White's exuberant brushstrokes and stark black oil stick drawings of cartoon figures vibrate against formally constructed surfaces, tapping into both the noise and compulsion of contemporary life.

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

Exhibition February 1 to March 24, duPont Gallery opening reception February 1, 5-7 7pm. Admission is always free and tours are available. In-g gallery Artist's Talk February 22, 5pm in duPont Gallery.

Community Conversations Germanna Speaker Series By AnnaMarie Sanchez Explore timely topics through open dialogue and discussion with local and national experts at Germanna Community College Speaker Series.. Free and open to all. Punished for Dreaming: The Case for Abolitionist Teaching & Educational Reparations Thursday, February 22, 7 p.m., Webinar Dr. Bettina Love tells the story of her generation - the hiphop generation - who came of age when mass incarceration and educational policies put targets on the backs of Black children. Learn how the last four decades laid the foundation for educational reformers to extract from Black education for their own gain, and hear about Dr. Love's road map for repair.

Understanding and Navigating Our Chaotic Information Environment Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m., Webinar Craig Silverman, a national reporter with ProPublica and expert in online disinformation, explores how information is manipulated and how we can build resilience in ourselves and our community.

AnnaMarie Sanchez is a work study student in the marketing department at Germanna.

Diverse Participation in the Revoluntionary War Wednesday, March 6 , 7 p.m., Webinar Join Dr. Gaila Sims, author Aly Riley, Dr. Will Mackintosh, Professor Edwin Watson, and Professor David Marsich in celebration of the Fredericksburg Area Museum's exhibition, Lafayette's World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom. This panel will explore contributions by African Americans, women, Indigenous people and members of the LGBTQ+ community to the American Revolution.

For Information & Registeration for Webninar:Germanna Community Conversations, Germanna.edu

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

Art in the Burg Art Galleries in february “Collaboration" Artists Working Together All Member Show Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St Opening Reception, First Friday February 2, 6-9 9pm For several months, the artists at Artful Dimensions Gallery have been working together to create new works. Late last year, each member was assigned a partner and together, the two artists, incorporating their chosen medium, collaborated to created a piece. In February, these masterpieces will be on display. Visit the gallery to see sone unique and creative uses of different materials. ~ Sally Cooney Anderson

“Sweet Hearts”, Stacy Gerise @ BSG “Love is in the Air” All Members Exhibit Opening Reception First Fri, Feb 2, 5-9 9p Brush Strokes Gallery 824 Caroline St. February is the month of Valentine's Day and love is in the air with Brush Strokes Gallery's featured artwork. The highlight of some artists' creations present images that directly connote the holiday. These include Stacy Gerise's "Sweet Hearts" painting of the little candies that we have treasured since our childhood days and Penny A Parrish's photograph, dubbed "Keys to My Heart," which features a collection of keys adorned with a heart. Other artwork might seem to tell a story about places and scenes we might have shared with a loved one, such as Seija Martin's softly nuanced painting "Late Winter Light" and Taylor Cullar's depiction of a romantic scene of "Vesuvius & Naples Bay." Liana Pivirotto's "Necklace with 1670- 1740 slipware shard" might serve as the perfect Valentine's present for that special someone ~-Collette Caprara

" All Those Years" A 32nd Anniversary Celebration of the Gallery's Founding featuring a collection of works by The Artists of Art First Gallery Opening reception 1st Friday, February 2 6pm to 9pm. Art First, 824 Caroline St Art First Gallery is celebrating its founding 32 years ago. Works by founding members to include current gallery artist Linda Warshaw will be on exhibit. Members will contribute to the celebration in their own unique styles but in the traditional Art First style-- eclectic but always holding to a higher standard. The all-member-exhibit is open to the public February 1, 2024 - February 25. with a reception February 2, 6-9 pm. Meet the artists. Sample the refreshments. Help us celebrate the founding of an institution in the city art scene. ~Gary Close

@Artful Dimensions

Guest Artist Annie Harpe Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles St Opening Reception February 2, 5-8 8:30p Annie is a self-taught fiber artist who loves to play with color and texture. She has been knitting and weaving for about 25 years and just started making garments. There has always been something about touching colors that makes her happy, so she calls her work Happy Threads. .~Jeannie Ellis

“Pink” LibertyTown Arts Workshop 916 Liberty Street Show Opening Reception February 2, 6-9 9p

“Origin”, Linda Warshaw @Art First

“Artist Choice” Multiple Artist Show Artist Alliance Opening Reception, February 9, 6-9 9p 100 Taylor St, Ste 101, Colonial Beach Artist Choice will celebrate Valentine's Day, early, and winter's midpoint, with a cocoa and chocolate happening. Guitarist Stephen Bell will provide background music for the sweets. AA members will display an array of painting, sculpture, photography, encaustics, ceramics, jewelry, and wood furniture. ~Rob Rudick

“Backyard Moon”, Rob Rudick @Artist Alliance

Joe Fiorello, Guest Artist Canal Quarters, 1517 Princess Anne Opening Reception February 2, 5-8 8:30p Tasting by Gasstronomical Joe is a self taught artist who started drawing at the age of seven while pursuing an education in Biology. He has combined his love for both subjects in the pieces he creates. Joe's choice of medium is graphite, color pencil, ink, and acrylic and oil paints. Joe has also explored photography which he utilizes in the production of this artwork John Gassner owner Gasstronomical.says "Gasstronomical's mission is to bake real bread with real flavor that fuels Americans in their daily pursuit of Victory” .~Jeannie Ellis

Joe Fiorello@Canal Quarters Arts

810 Caroline Street, Downtown 540.371.4099 “ In Your Dreams”, Robyn Ryan 24

February 2024

“ Winter Greetings”,Beverley Coates “Sunrise Princess Anne”, Lynn Abbott

Front porch fredericksburg

Artist on Site Saturdays

Great Lives series popular series Continues by the great lives team the Riveter, James Bond, Harry Potter, and Sherlock Holmes.

This free lecture series brings renowned biographers, a number of them Pulitzer Prize winners, to the Mary Washington campus to explore the diverse lives and achievements of remarkable people. Since the inception of the program, more than 300 figures have been covered in lectures. Those individuals have been chosen to provide diversity, not just in terms of race and gender, but also in chronology and, especially, in fields of accomplishment. The operative principle is that "great" means not necessarily good, but influential in some way. The series has also investigated a few non-human subjects such as the racehorse Secretariat and fictional characters including Rosie

Guest speakers are chosen on the basis of their prominence as biographers, with emphasis on writers who have recently made notable contributions to

the field of biography, particularly those who bring a new perspective to traditional topics. Participants have included a number who have won Pulitzer prizes and other prestigious awards. It is likely that no other program in the country brings together so many outstanding biographers in one series. James McGrath Morris, former president of Biographers International Organization, has called it a "truly remarkable achievement," concluding that "quite simply, there is no other program comparable to it in the country." Mary Lumpkin: Enslaved Woman, Liberator Lecture Date: February 8, 2024 The Virginia Partners Bank Lecture Born in Virginia in 1832, Mary Lumpkin lived much of her young life in a slave jail in Richmond known as Lumpkin's Jail, where she was forced to have the children of her enslaver, the slave jail owner Robert Lumpkin. At Robert Lumpkin's death a year after the war's end, he left Mary Lumpkin his property, including the jail, known by enslaved people as the Devil's Half Acre. She rented it to a Baptist missionary who converted it into a school for freed Black men. It later became Virginia Union University, one of the oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America, which still exists today. Mary Lumpkin's story is one of many enslaved women whose stories have been all but erased from the American narrative. Franklin D. Roosevelt Lecture Date: February 15, 2024 The Irene and Curry Roberts Lecture This revealing biography shows how Franklin Delano Roosevelt found his true self in his searing struggle with polioemerging with a strength and wisdom he would use to inspire the world. Franklin Delano Roosevelt seemed to be a political "natural." Yet for all his gifts, the young Roosevelt lacked depth, empathy, and an ability to think strategically. Those qualities, essential to his success as president, were skills he acquired during his seven-year journey through illness, recovery and rehabilitation. Becoming FDR traces the riveting story of the struggle that forged Roosevelt's character and political ascent. Becoming FDR shows how adversity can lead to greatness, and to the power to remake the world. Picasso Lecture Date: February 20, 2024 The Jon Properties/Van Zandt Restorations Lecture Few modern artists captured the popular imagination as did the Spanish

painter Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). Picasso's influence on art and design in the 20th c. is indisputable. Picasso established new directions for painting that would lead to Cubism, a style that still challenges viewers today. This talk will consider several works by Picasso within the context of his larger creative output and against the backdrop of 20th-c. artistic movements

Rosemary Kennedy Lecture Date: February 29, 2024 The Coldwell Banker Elite Lecture Rosemary, Joe and Rose Kennedy's strikingly beautiful eldest daughter attended exclusive schools, was presented as a debutante to the queen and king of England, and traveled the world with her high-spirited sisters and brothers. Yet Rosemary was intellectually disabled, a secret fiercely guarded by the Kennedys. Larson brings Rosemary alive as a girl adored but challenged to keep pace with her competitive siblings. The Hidden Kennedy Daughter uses new sources- Rose Kennedy's diaries and correspondence, letters from Rosemary's teachers and doctors, and exclusive family interviewsLarson brings Rosemary alive as a girl adored but challenged to keep pace with her competitive siblings An experimental lobotomy gone terribly wrong left her incapable of living independently. Rosemary's story is more than a tragedy long hidden for generations. It reveals the central role she played in the shaping of one of our nation's most famous families, inspiring her siblings to direct attention to the plight of the disabled and transform the lives of millions. For a Complete Schedule of Series Lectures in February, March & April: umw.edu/greatlives

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

Auto Known Better All for a loaf of bread - It shouldn't be this hard By Rim Vining been masterfully expanded with the Costco $5.00 rotisserie chicken and further enhanced with "Member's Only" gas prices. They may sell a cheap chicken and save you a few cents per gallon on fuel but it's those $100 and $200 carts full of other "stuff" that keep their coffers overflowing.

Too many threads in my brain this month. The warp and woof are in conflict with the knit and pearl which spins into crochet, macramé and tatting! My first visit to the Sunshine State was shortly after Jimmy Buffet planted his flag in the Keys. We arrived in Vero Beach after an eternity in a friend's Plymouth Cricket when the national speed limit was 55mph and you had to cross the old iron bridge in Savannah because I-95 wasn't complete. All of that adds about twice as much time to the drive as it takes today. Also keep in mind that the Plymouth Cricket was actually a re-badged British import known in England as the Hillman Avenger! Florida in the 70's was an eye opener. It was the first wave of boomer parents trying to pretend that it was paradise but the reality was the weather was chilly most of the winter, too hot to go outside the rest of the year, and food was twice what it was up north. So here's what I noticed:

All the retirees, and even my friends who were working, spent most of their time clipping coupons and running from store to store just to be able to afford to live in Florida with bad weather. The state grows a lot of food and raises a lot of beef but ships it out for processing and then has to pay to bring it back into the state. That drives prices higher. The stores were clever and since everyone got a morning newspaper back then you could change things daily and they did. Competition for customers was based on getting them into the store for a different "loss leader" each day so to actually save money you had to shop every day. Chicken and butter might be on sale Monday but bread and eggs weren't on sale until Thursday. The competitors across town ran the opposite specials so you drove all over hitting various stores in the course of the week just to fill the cupboards. What you saved on dairy you spent on gas. The loss leader technique has

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

But I digress. This thread is about having to go from store to store just to get what you need. In the 80's we lost our Safeway stores to the Haft Family hostile take-over and Food Lion became Weis when they had to sell off stores to keep the Giants open. We lost Ukrops and the brief appearance of Piggly Wiggly but Wegmans moved in with a real deli, a gourmet cheese aisle and fresh seafood! Things were stable and looking pretty good until "it" happened. No Pepperidge Farm white bread. Not thin sliced or regular. A simple piece of bread you can cut the crust off of to make cucumber tea sandwiches for a ladies

luncheon. The bread of generations. I was told it had been discontinued. It had not. It lost the war for shelf space and let's face it, how many ladies luncheons have you attended of late? Now I am forced to travel from store to store getting my bread in one place and cheese in another and scrapple in a third and I'm not saving a dime… just burning gas. I hate change. ~autoknownbetter@gmail.com

Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer

Around Town Huntley

Melissa Wells Outstanding faculty award by amy jesse

Virginia spotted The Voice Winner Huntley with his daughter Stella strolling in Downtown Fredericksburg. And, He was reading Front Porch Fredericksburg!

University of Mary Washington Associate Professor of Education Melissa Wells has received the prestigious 2024 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Since joining the faculty at UMW in 2017, Wells has made it her mission to foster connections among teaching, discovery, knowledge integration and service, inspiring students on campus and in their own classrooms. She infuses her passions for equity, accessibility and inclusion into her teaching, scholarship and service within and beyond the College of Education. Her instruction includes undergraduate, graduate and professional development courses. She co-creates syllabus policies with students, crafts dynamic Canvas courses that students applaud and designs interactive learning opportunities providing first-hand experiences for future teachers. Students also appreciate the personalized feedback Wells provides on every assignment, something she honed as a K-12 educator herself. "At every stage of my career, students like these have changed my identity as an educator. Because of them, I prioritize teaching with empathy, innovation, accessibility and authenticity," Wells said in her personal statement. "I thrive when students bring their own stories, gifts and talents into spaces they share with me. In my teaching, I intentionally craft learning experiences that provide learners with choice, relevance and responsiveness."

Additionally, Wells models instructional approaches her students will implement in their own future classrooms. Students in her classes have written and illustrated children's books, which are donated to local classrooms and frequently displayed on the public StoryWalk Trail downtown in collaboration with the Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events Department. The StoryWalk encourages community members to read as they walk the River Heritage Trail and takes students' work beyond the classroom. Beyond formal coursework, Wells seeks opportunities to mentor students toward lifelong learning and professional excellence. She collaborates with students to research and present results, notably taking a group of former students to the National Council of Teachers of English conference in 2019, a first for many. In her short time on the faculty, she has disseminated her scholarship in over 15 peer-reviewed publications and over 55 peer-reviewed or invited presentations at state, national and international conferences. She serves on numerous campus committees, has been a UMW Jepson Fellow and joins in the College of Education's efforts to strengthen K-12 education in local communities including visits with Teachers for Tomorrow and piloting a Professional Development School (PDS) model.

Amy Jesse is Executive Director of University Communication

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

Companions black dog syndrome by lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy While the rescues at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) aren't able to change their colors any more than they can change their sizes and ages, there's a stigma attached to black dogs known as Black Dog Syndrome (BDS), which may make it even harder for them to find forever homes. Throughout February, ODHS is honoring its beautiful and loveable black dogs for National Black Dog Syndrome Awareness Month.

Beautiful Desiree, instantly befriends everyone she meets. A small dog, who is personable, curious and happy, she loves to go on walks and is excellent on a leash. Desiree is a favorite of the volunteers, because she's bursting with joy and energy as she waits for her forever family.

The reasons black dogs are passed over include: Superstition-Many times black dogs are depicted in a negative way in folklore and pop culture, possibly affecting how they're looked at by potential adopters. In the media, a dangerous dog is often black. "The Omen" is one of many movies that feature black dogs as mean and frightening. Because the color has often represented evil and misfortune throughout history, some people come to the conclusion that black dogs are unlucky. Unawareness of BDS--In general, people are unaware of BDS and don't realize they're overlooking black dogs. By becoming aware of the phenomenon, adopters are more likely to give black dogs a second look. Black Dogs Don't Stand Out as Much as Lighter-Colored Dogs-Sometimes, when a kennel is dimly lit, black dogs tend to stand out less than those that are lighter in color. When looking through photos of adoptable dogs on sites, such as PetFinder, black dogs tend to be harder to photograph and show their personalities. "The more we let people know about BDS, the better they'll understand that these dogs have been, at times, overlooked by no fault of their own," said Blake."ODHS is honoring these dogs throughout National Black Dog Syndrome Awareness Month and

It's not a myth and it's not made up-black dogs have the lowest adoption rate and the highest euthanasia rate than any other color dog in shelters and rescues, according to DogingtonPost.com, which was created for the love of dogs. Black dogs usually spend four times longer in rescues waiting to be adopted compared to those of different colors. Professionals in shelters and rescues are aware of BDS and the obstacles these dogs face and are making efforts to let potential adopters know about it. "We have some of the sweetest and loving dogs of every color and combination of colors at Old Dominion, and we're committed to educating the public about BDS," said Chrissy Blake, ODHS founder. "It's really an unconscious thing. Once people realize what BDS is and the reasons these dogs are overlooked, it will become evident to them that these rescues are as wonderful and adoptable as any other dog."

February 2024

Mateo is a cuddle-lloving, kid-ffriendly and pup-ccompatible puppy that is perfecting basic commands and bathroom manners as he waits for his new family throughout the year. ODHS has a few black rescue dogs that need forever families, and they're cute, cuddly and loveable."

Front porch fredericksburg

Wendall is a sweetie and one of the handsome black dogs at ODHS.He walks lovely on a leash, crates well and just loves his teddy bears.

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is a Public Relations Professional

Old Dominion Humane Society is here to provide well-m matched, permanent homes for animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education. ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Adoption events Wednesday, 5 - 7 p.m.; Friday, 6- 8 p.m.; Saturday, 12- 4 p.m. www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.

Astrology & You THE POETRY MAN

beware the moon wobble

By Frank Fratoe

By Dianne Bachman

Freedom

likely to occur. Nature can also be impacted by these strong e n e r g i e s , p r o m p t i n g storms, fires and other natural disasters. The effect is generally active the week before and a week after, so things can look relatively calm on the exact

100 years ago when tyrants ruled on each continent to abet despair and death in the darkness of war a poet wrote these words: Overhead in glowing air is our American sunlight here are free hours of day, here are free hours of mind, here is power from liberty! Let us remember these words now that autocrats reign again in many countries to bring more fear and death in the darkness of hatred. May the light of freedom shine throughout the world from American tolerance and offer a better hope to gladden all over our souls. . Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.

Before we look at the cosmic weather for February, I would like to talk a bit about Moon wobbles. A Moon wobble is an astrological phenomenon that occurs when the Sun makes a 90-d degree angle or is conjunct the Sun. They occur every 86.5 days. Astrologer and statistician Carl Payne Tobey performed extensive research on Moon wobbles. His findings point to a surge in energy, causing the influx to influence emotions. This makes accidents, suicides, and mishaps more

day of the wobble. I was born 2 days prior to a Moon wobble. Through my genealogical research, I have found that both my maternal great grandparents were born within a few days of a Moon wobble, as well as my maternal grandfather, my mother, and my son. Since November 2023 I have had an eye on the latest Moon wobble, which occurred on January 10, 2024. I told several friends as well as my family to look out and be more cautious. It proved to be a doozy! My husband, Jon, our daughter, Sarah, and her partner, Andy, joined me on Hatteras Island for a week, starting January 6. The rental house was booked months in advance, and we were upfront and center to appreciate Mother Ocean with only a dune between us and the Big Drink. I love the ocean in the winter due to the deep solitude and natural beauty that Avon, North Carolina offers. In the beginning of the week, we heard that there was a storm coming. No big deal, we have experienced intense storms down there many times before. As January 9 drew closer, we began to understand that this storm packed 75 mph gusts, thunderstorms, and 19-foot waves! The rental office called and advised us to move our cars to higher ground. Heavy rain and hurricane force winds caused our house to jiggle and rock all day and night until the storm passed. Fortunately, we made it as did our vehicles. But there was even more drama to the day. As the surf was picking up, my husband took our puppy, Ricky, out for a quick walk. Before he could react, Ricky broke loose and bounded over the dunes. He sprinted down the beach, chasing sea foam and barking at the waves. Jon called out to him in pursuit, but Ricky kept running. At one point, a wave washed over our pup and Jon was certain Ricky was a goner. Finally, our pup slowed, and Jon was

able to grab him, both wild-eyed and soggy. Just as we were all laughing about the puppy kafuffle, we received a phone call from Andy who had left a day early and was cat sitting for us. He told us that Henry, our old man cat, had gotten into a glue trap presumably from a neighbor's yard. There was a sticky mess and two small shrews stuck to the side of Henry's head. Fortunately, our vet was able to treat him, and all was well again. Next year we will definitely plan our winter beach trip well after the wobble (occurring on December 23, 2024)! Here are some astrological highlights for February: 2/5 Mercury enters Aquarius, and our ideas can become more innovative. If you have held back, get in touch with your inner rebel and speak up! 2/9 New Moon in Aquarius is a time of fresh starts. Aquarius brings a measure of detachment and objectivity, so this is a wonderful time to get in touch with not only your own needs but the needs of others. Allow yourself to be a bit unconventional. 2/10 Lunar New Year/Year of the Dragon is associated with good fortune and new beginnings. A time to celebrate the positive energies in our lives. 2/13 Mars enters Aquarius making this prime time for breaking free and reveling in your independence from anything that weighs you down or holds you back. Celebrate your uniqueness! 2/16 Venus enters Aquarius supports making connections with others and enjoying the social side of life, however it suits you. Maybe it is time to modernize your wardrobe or get that cutting edge hair style. 2/19 Sun enters Pisces is a time when we take a breath, retreat, relax our focus, rest before the waking of the Earth in Aries season. 2/23 Mercury enters Pisces and can bring either poetic inspiration or foggy head-or both! For some the subconscious bubbles up and brings inspiration. Dreams can be rich, or sleep can be elusive. 2/24 Full Moon in Virgo can be a suitable time to tie up loose ends, get the health checked, review your health regimens, or finish projects. As always, if the night sky is clear, enjoy a Moon bath!

Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com Artwork is from a French 1902 film La Voyage Dans la Lune, by Georges Melie

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

Give a Child Something to Think About

Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684 Girl & Her Dog Sometimes it's just a girl and her dog. One of my favorite online sketching instructors once said that if she can get the shoulders right on a figure, the whole body falls into place. I think that's true. At least it was in this case. It seems like a strange place to start a drawing but it does work. If you're sketching people, try it yourself and see what you think. If you're not sketching people, just sketch whatever is in front of you. Another good suggestion is to look at your subject more than you look at your drawing. Anyway, hope some of you have gotten the bug to sketch. Next step is to join the Fredericksburg Urban Sketchers! Meanwhile, have a good February. Cheers Paula Raudenbush is an admin for the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Urban Sketchers and maintains a studio in Libertytown Arts Workshop.

Dianne Bachman,LCSW Psychotherapist/Astrologer Now offering psychological astrology & astrological consultations In addition to Individual, family & marital therapy Hypnosis Expressive Arts 540.845.7622 diannebachman.com dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com 30

February 2024

Front porch fredericksburg

Love Should Never Hurt

Take a Hike With Rescue Dogs There's no better way to spend some time than walking that favorite fourlegged dog and getting exercise-humans and dogs-than celebrating "National Walk Your Dog Day" on February 22. Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) takes it up a notch with its weekly Sunday morning hikes with the rescue dogs for the public led by knowledgeable volunteers. Walking or hiking with the rescue dogs isn't only important on that one designated day annually, because it's great exercise, gets the dogs out in the fresh air and starts the week off on a positive note. The community is invited to participate in the weekly hikes, and it's not necessary to be an ODHS volunteer to join. Volunteers pair dogs with hikers and lead the group on the trails. Hikers meet at the ODHS center at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays. The volunteers will bring the dogs to the door for hikers, who follow the caravan to one of the local trails. Hikers must be able to transport the dog in their cars. "The Sunday morning hikes have been a popular activity for the rescue dogs and the community, and it's a great way to meet people and give the dogs exercise and attention," said Chrissy

Blake, ODHS founder. "The rescues look forward to their weekly outings and the chance to go on an adventure." According to Time To Pet, a pet sitting software, there are a few bonuses to walking dogs, including: Beginning the day with walking your-or a rescue-dog is a great way to get some exercise and prepare for the day ahead. Walking dogs provides time for humans and dogs to connect while discovering the neighborhood or trails together. It's also a great way for humans to meet each other and the opportunity for dogs to socialize with other animals that are also out on walks. Most dogs have a lot of energy that needs to be exerted on a daily basis. When dogs haven't been waked, they may become restless. Taking dogs for as many walks as possible will help them become relaxed and rested. ~ Lenora Kruk-Mllanaphy Join ODHS Every Sunday & Hike with a Rescue Dog Meet at ODHS Center 3602 Lafayette Blvd., 8:30am www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.

teen dating violence By nancy kelly In February, we celebrate loving relationships on Valentine's Day. However, many teens are not in healthy or loving relationships. They are at risk of harm, which is why during the month of F e b r u a r y , Empowerhouse participates in a nationwide prevention and education effort to help young people as part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. 1 in 3 teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. In addition, nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors. “I learned how to recognize harmful behavior in relationships and started to recognize them in myself, too." Female student who participated in Empowerhouse's Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentations During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) and throughout the year, Empowerhouse works with schools and other organizations to educate teens about healthy and unhealthy relationships, recognize warning signs of abuse, and help build self-esteem. These are vital tools in assisting young people and those who support them. These include sharing our "Be Real" materials, which are targeted to teens, asking them to join us in promoting healthy relationships and connecting them to resources like our website and our 24-hour confidential hotline number. Last year, Empowerhouse delivered our free, age-appropriate Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentations to over 3,700 area elementary, middle, and high school students. Our goal is to reach 5,000 students in 2024. For TDVAM 2024, the theme is "Love Like That." The theme was chosen by "love is respect" a national resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.

The theme Love Like That "illuminates what 'that' means regarding healthy and unhealthy relationships. We know that love is more than a feeling; no matter how you define it, it's essential to ensure you're on the same page with your partner about the definitions and boundaries of your relationship." One way to support your teen is to read Empowerhouse's Be Real: Start the Conversation With Your Teens About Healthy Relationships Parent & Teen Advocate Discussion Guide. By raising awareness during February, we can help stop teen dating abuse and provide essential resources to support teens and their families. If you're an adult, please continue to engage with the young people around you to discuss healthy relationships and dating abuse. For more information (including a copy of the guide referenced above) about teen dating violence or our youth services, please go to Empowerhouseva.org, teen resources page, or call Jackie at 540-373-9372 during business hours. Empowerhouse has resources available in English and Spanish. To request an educational classroom presentation on healthy relationships and teen dating violence warning signs for your school or organization, e-mail mendyp@empowerhouseva.org. For additional resources about healthy relationships for teens, visit loveisrespect.org. If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call Empowerhouse's free, confidential 24-hour Hotline at (540) 373-9373.

Nancy Kelly is the Development Director of Empowerhouse.

front porch fredericksburg

February 2024